Originally Posted by
headingwest
Thanks for taking the time to report back with your thoughts DocWatson ^ I've got a TP run to HNL in August, so it was an interesting read. And what a great price for status for 3 years (hopefully with the soft landing).
I hope so too. I tend to do a 'big' holiday every couple of years and save up accordingly, trying to budget around £1,200. So in my world it's £500 for the status beyond what I'd have paid, and I will probably get towards that in Avios value. I'm happy with that.
Originally Posted by
BerksFlyer
A good read. I like TRs and the slightly different perspective offered in this one is refreshing.
Thanks! I lurked for a wee while before joining here, and I felt that there wasn't much experience from those who fly short haul and want status but don't have hotel points/status, or much extra cash. Hopefully it'll be useful - the frequent flyer game attracts all sorts!
Originally Posted by
madfish
I also fell foul of the no food service on an overnight AA flight. Really disappointing as only had a glass of warm water!
Thinking about it, it was quite a surprising situation. I guess I could have gone to fetch a drink, but that would have involved circus-like contortion to get out of my seat with the others reclined.
Originally Posted by
Iamnotlost
Enjoyed reading this report - thank you. Glad you liked HVNP. Next time (and I'm sure there will be a next time) stay in Volcano village so you can admire the volcano glowing after dark. Good to know about the HI Express in Kailua-Kona.
Thanks again for an interesting read.
I thought Volcano Village was a quaint wee place, the sandwich shop beside the gas station did great lunch. I'd definitely stay there or in Hilo for a return visit.
Originally Posted by
KARFA
Jammy sod
I didn't get the captain coming to chat to me unfortunately, but earlier in my exBRU trip on my HEL-LHR sector we were held on the ground for 40 minutes so I asked about a cockpit visit.
Ha! I wasn't expecting the cockpit visit, I was last off and the Captain gestured to come and take a look. One day I'll learn to fly, and I think I knew a bit more than the standard passenger when we had the iPad discussion. I would have stayed longer but I was scared immigration would be hellish as it was.
Originally Posted by
KARFA
I am of the opinion that if you are doing a same day connection at JFK and collecting your bag coming off BA3 you might as well take it with you to T8 and drop it off there rather than relying on the JFK inter-terminal bag transfer. In fact even on BA1 I would tend to get the bag checked to JFK only, take it to T8 and check it back in. It is only one stop on the airtrain. For an overnight I am also tempted to take it to the hotel rather than leave it at JFK.
I'd say the same. In my case I was overnight but not going to a hotel, which probably covers a handful of people, and I actively wanted rid of the bag without finding the T4 left luggage and paying $20+. As it was the through-check belt worked, but I'll never know how or when my bag went T7-T8.
Originally Posted by
KARFA
I did a US to BA transfer from B to E last Tuesday. I think the easiest ways are either walk across the parking garage but you need to know the way, or use the buses
I must have been unlucky, I had a 20 minute wait for any bus going to E at all. It was +2 and smeary rain, and a horrid shock to be outside for the first time since HNL 14 hours previous! I found BOS Terminal E security frustrating, there was a F/J line that took all the wheelchairs, staff and late passengers as well, so the whole thing ground to a halt.
Originally Posted by
T8191
Glad you fount Roberts satisfactory - I always get a bit nervous about making recommendations!
They were $1 more than the other company so I took the recommendation and was pleased with it (aside from lei-induced hayfever, 4 on my bus suffered it!). They tried to get everyone to come for a free breakfast with presentation on trips, and said it was the only way to get your return journey confirmed, but I was busy sleeping and my return pickup happened anyway.
Originally Posted by
JamieABZ
I'm taking a "simpler friend" - well, he's a bit simple actually so does what he's told.
He wants to hire a fancy car - that's his thing, not mine, I'm the plane/travel geek.
My friend felt it was a long way, especially with his disruption, but had it worked then DUB-JFK (on 'a new fancy 767') then JFK-LAX (new A321) and the Hawaii hop would have been fine, if a long day. The worst bit was checking in at Dublin on the way back, bored of travel, without his Silver yet cleared and travelling Y, facing yet another sector to get home.
As for the car, we got a great deal for the Mustang through BA. It had 200 miles on the clock, we added 550 in 3 days (Big Island is big), and it was definitely the way to do it!
Thanks all - as a newbie it can be daunting to post a first thread, especially a long one, but I've found this resource so useful to my travels and I want to contribute back and I hope this helps.